This article contains the CFN600 Series Ninja® Espresso & Coffee Barista System FAQs.  This supports the CFN601C, CFN600, CFN601 and CFN602 SKUs.  


 

Display and Brewing Questions

Why is my display showing “Add Wtr”

Ensure the water reservoir is filled and fully seated on the base. If the brewer continues to show “Add Wtr” despite the reservoir being filled, contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288.

Why is my display showing “Pre” before brewing a capsule?

The display may show “Pre” indicating that the brewer is preheating. The capsule brew will automatically start once preheating is complete.
Why is coffee splattering?

Use the cup tray when possible to reduce the distance between the cup and the outlet.
Why is the Delay Brew button flashing/beeping when I use the control panel?

The unit is indicating that the Delay Brew function has been set. To cancel, press the Delay Brew button or the Power button once. If the Power button is pressed, the Delay Brew button will flash and beep for 5 seconds before Delay Brew is cancelled.
Not enough coffee in my vessel/inconsistent brew volumes

Each size and brew type produces a different amount of coffee to optimize strength and taste. For example, Rich brew will yield less coffee than Classic brew, while Over Ice produces a concentrated amount of coffee that drips over ice to create an iced coffee that's never watered down.
Output may vary depending on how much grounds are put in the brew basket, more grounds less output, less grounds more output.

When brewing capsules there may be slight variation in brew volume depending on capsule brand and brew style. If you are noticing high variations in brew volume, contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288.

Why are there drips after a brew?

Brewing Grounds: Once the brew cycle is complete, move the drip stop to the closed position (denoted by the image of a water droplet with a slash through it) before removing your brewing vessel to avoid drips.

Brewing Capsules: Ensure the Adjustable Cup Tray is inserted to catch residual drips after a brew.

Why is my Over Ice brew not brewed cold?

Ensure your cup, travel mug, or carafe is filled all the way to the top with ice cubes before brewing. The unit will brew at hot temperatures to lock in the best flavor, then the ice will cool the brewed coffee or espresso to the perfect temperature.

Why is there water left in the reservoir after a brew?

Water is metered to control the amount of water that dispensed through the system to produce the optimal cup of coffee.
Do I need to use extra coffee for the different brew styles?

No, you use the same amount of coffee for each brew style selected. Each brew style is designed to make the strength you need using the measurements denoted on the Ninja Smart Scoop™.

Do I need to use the brew‐through lid in my

Yes, we recommend using the brew‐through lid as it helps maintain the carafe temperature, and to deliver optimal flavor. If the lid is not used, or is not properly in place, heat could escape from the carafe, causing the coffee to cool rapidly.

Why do the ounces change for different styles?

Each brew size is optimized for its corresponding brew style. Rich brew will produce slightly less output for stronger coffee.
Pausing during brew.

The brew may pause once or multiple times during the brew cycle. That's ok. Pausing allows the coffee grounds to fully extract and unlock the full flavor of the brew style.
Why did most of my ice melt when brewing Over Ice?

When brewing Over Ice, please do the following:

Be sure to fill your vessel to the top with whole iced cubes (not crushed or shaved ice) before brewing Over Ice.

Coffee is too weak.

For stronger coffee, use the Rich brew setting. For an even milder flavor, use fewer coffee grounds in the filter.
Coffee is too strong.

For milder coffee, use the Classic brew setting. For an even milder flavor, use fewer coffee grounds in the filter.
Brew cycle is too slow.

Brewing Grounds: The brew time will vary based on size and brew style. Full carafe sizes and Rich brews will take longer to brew than single-serve classic brews. The progress bar on the control panel will indicate brew status.

Brewing Capsules: Brew time may vary depending on capsule brand. 


 

Cleaning and Maintenance Questions

My clean light is on. How do I run a clean cycle?

When the Intelligent Clean Cycle Indicator turns on, run a clean cycle on the Grounds side. To run a clean cycle:
Step 1: Place the empty carafe beneath the brew basket.
Step 2: Use a descaling solution specifically formulated for coffeemaker cleaning and follow the directions on the package. Fill the water reservoir up to, but not exceeding, the Full line.
OR
Fill the water reservoir to the Travel Mug line (16 oz.) with white vinegar, then fill the rest of the reservoir with water up to, but not exceeding, the Full line. IMPORTANT: Use only white vinegar.
Step 3: Once the water reservoir is filled with your cleaning solution and water mixture, press the Grounds Button and then press the CLEAN button. Press the START BREW button to confirm and begin the cleaning cycle.
Step 4: The clock will display and count down the remaining clean cycle time, which takes approximately 75 minutes to complete. Your brewer will deliver a small amount of cleaning solution to distribute it through the system. It will then pause, deliver additional cleaning solution, and repeat this process for 75 minutes. The extended pauses allow for maximum cleaning and descaling. IMPORTANT: DO NOT remove the carafe at any time during the clean cycle.
Step 5: Upon completion, the brewer will beep, the clock will display End, and the Intelligent Clean Cycle Indicator will turn off.
Step 6: Empty the contents of the carafe and place it back under the brew basket. Clean the water reservoir with warm, soapy water to remove any cleaning solution that could affect the flavor of your coffee.
Step 7: Fill the reservoir with fresh water up to, but not exceeding, the Full line.
Step 8: Flush the system by running a water-only Full Carafe Classic brew cycle. Rerun a water-only cycle if taste persists. After the cycle is complete, discard the water and thoroughly clean the carafe and brew basket.

How do I clean the carafe?

We recommend cleaning the glass carafe with warm, soapy water. If you want to clean the carafe more thoroughly, we recommend using a soft foam brush/sponge. Do not use a wire brush.
What cleaning solution should I use when running a clean cycle?

We recommend using a descaling solution made specifically for coffeemaker cleaning. You can purchase our descaling solution HERE. You may also use white vinegar. Reference the Owners Guide for more information.
What is dishwasher safe?

Glass Carafe, Brew-Through Lid, Permanent Filter (sold separately), Brew Basket, Water Reservoir, Water Reservoir Lid, Frother Whisk, Adjustable Cup Tray, Cup Tray Base, Capsule Bin, and Ninja Smart Scoop.

What is the cleaning platform for?

The cleaning platform is to be used when running a clean cycle on the capsule side of the unit. Remove the adjustable cup tray and place the platform on the front right base of the unit so that is sits on the countertop below the capsule spout. Remove the lid from the carafe and place the carafe on the clean cycle platform. Now, run a clean cycle on the capsule side. 

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Filter and Capsules Questions

Can I use a permanent filter in conjunction with a paper filter?

No, a paper filter and the permanent filter should NOT be used together when brewing coffee. Using both the permanent filter and a paper filter may result in clogging or water and/or coffee backing up in the brew basket.
What capsules are compatible with my brewer?

For best results, we recommend using Nespresso® branded original capsules. However, most original line capsule brands are compatible with the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System. The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista system is NOT compatible with the Vertuo capsules.  

Original line capsules:


 

 
 

Frothing Questions

Can I use a refillable capsule with my brewer?

The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System is compatible with refillable capsules.
Why isn’t my capsule falling into the capsule bin?

The capsule bin may be full. Remove and empty the capsule bin.
No coffee, just water comes out despite inserted capsule.

The capsule may have not been inserted properly. Try inserting a new capsule. If the issue persists, contact Customer Service at 1-877-646-5288.
What capsule sizes can I brew?
  • Ristretto (Only included on CFN602): 25mL
  • Espresso: 40mL
  • Lungo: 110mL
  • Over Ice: 30mL  
What capsules are compatible with my brewer?

For best results, we recommend using Nespresso® branded original capsules. However, most original line capsule brands are compatible with the Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista System. The Ninja Espresso & Coffee Barista system is NOT compatible with the Vertuo capsules.  

Original line capsules: 

  


 

 

Does the frother produce both hot and cold froth?

The integrated frother can transform hot or cold milk into silky microfoam. The frother does not heat liquid. For hot froth, the milk will need to be either preheated in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds or simmered on a stovetop. Cold froth is made with cold milk and is an excellent addition to iced lattes or frozen blended drinks.
Can I froth non-dairy milk, such as soy or almond milk?

Any dairy-free alternative can be frothed, although results may vary. We recommend using a specialized barista blend for best results.


 

General Questions

 

 

 

 

My KEEP WARM button is off, why is my hot surface indicator light still on?

 

 

The HOT SURFACE indicator, located on the base next to the heater plate, is a safety feature that illuminates when the warming plate is hot. The HOT SURFACE indicator will remain on until the warming plate has cooled to a safe temperature. Do not touch the surface when this light is illuminated.

Why are the ounces displayed on my unit not corelated to the output?

The amount of coffee in your cup depends on how many scoops of grounds are put in the filter. Since the ground coffee absorbs the water, the more scoops in the filter, the less output in your cup and the less scoops in the filter the more output in your cup. Reference the Scoop Measurement Chart in the manual for recommended dosage.
For Over ice brew: Always fill the vessel to the top with ice before brewing Over Ice.

My full carafe is only showing 55oz on display.

60oz is brewed but grounds absorb some water. The display shows output.

There's sediment in my coffee.

If using a permanent filter, this may be due to using finely ground coffee.
To reduce the amount of sediment in the brewed coffee, use a slightly coarser grind or use a paper filter.
NOTE: DO NOT use a paper filter in conjunction with a permanent filter, as water and/or coffee can back up and clog in the filter basket. Ensure the correct number of scoops are used based on the Coffee Measurement Chart in the Owners Guide. When using decaf coffee, use less scoops.

What is the best milk to use for frothing?

For best results and to create the most froth using hot milk, we recommend using whole milk. For cold froth, we recommend skim milk.

What is the difference between KEEP WARM and the hot surface indicator?

The KEEP WARM function activates the Intelligent Warming Plate, which is a heater that can be turned on manually and will automatically turn on after you start a Carafe size brew on either the Classic brew or Rich brew setting. The hot surface light is a safety feature that illuminates when the warming plate is too hot to touch. If you leave your brewing vessel on the warming plate for an extended period, the hot surface indicator may illuminate, even if the KEEP WARM function has not been initiated. The hot surface light will remain illuminated until the warming plate has reached a temperature that’s safe to touch. DO NOT touch the surface when this light is illuminated.

Where can I find my unit's model number?

The model number can be found on the bottom of your unit, on the back of your unit under the QR code, or in the Owner’s Guide.

Why do I need so much force to close the lever?

Some force to close the lever is normal operation.

Is the brewer PTFE/PTOA free?

Yes.

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